The last remaining quarter finals in the West Cork Schoolboys U14 Cup will be decided tomorrow with three fixtures to be decided.
Bay Rovers travel to the West End, Balineen to face Riverside Athletic with a 12:30 kick off tomorrow. Both sides have suffered indifferent form in the SuperValu U14 League this season with Bay Rovers currently lying fifth and Riverside eight in the table. Bay still have an outside chance of making the play-offs but the U14 Cup probably offers the Kealkil side their best chance of silverware this season. Riverside still have games in hand in the league but will need to pick up points in all of those matches to have any chance of making the top four and qualifying for the play-offs. Padraigh Cronin is top of the Rover scoring charts with 7 goals in all competitions so far this season. Bay will also look to Cathal Power, Kevin Casey and Nathan Wycherley to find the net in Balineen. Riverside's Gearoid Harrington and Conor O'Neill have netted 9 goals between them this season and are sure to prove a handful for the Rovers' back four tomorrow. Home advantage may just swing the tie in Riverside's favour but expect Bay to push them all the way in this one.
Current SuperValu Under14 League leaders, Lyre Rovers, travel to face Togher Celtic in a re-arranged quarter final tie with a 2pm kick off tomorrow. Lyre are flying in the league, deservedly sitting top of the table after eight matches. The Knockskeagh side have only lost once in the league this season (away to Bunratty) and have a formidable forward line in James Hayes and Shane O’Donovan. The Rovers strikers have notched 15 league goals between them so far this season. Gearoid Barry, Ethan Draper and Scott Sheehan have also weighed in with plenty of additional goals from midfield. Togher currently lie fourth in the table and are more than capable of upsetting the league leaders. Mark Quinn is Celtic’s leading marksman with 6 goals this season. There should be plenty of drama as the sides shared nine goals in a 6-3 league win for Rovers earlier in the season.
Bunratty United travel to Cannon Crowley Park to face last year’s U14 league and cup winners, Drinagh Rangers, with a 12:30 start. Rangers are still in the hunt for a play-off spot in the league while Bunratty are seven points ahead and in second place in the U14 league table. United will look to top scorers Sean Evans (16) and Eddie Goggin (13) to fire them into the semi finals. Drinagh have plenty of talent in their squad and will hope Michael Collins, Paul Shanahan, Alfie Hyland and Darren Sweetnam are in top form tomorrow.
Fixtures for Saturday, February 2nd 2008
WCSL U14 Cup - Quarter Finals
Togher Celtic vs. Lyre Rovers in Togher at 2pm
Riverside Athletic vs. Bay Rovers in West End Balineen at 12:30
Drinagh Rangers - Bunratty United in Cannon Crowley Park, Drinagh at 12:30
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SPURS BOUNCE BACK
Tottenham Hotspur's 5-1 mauling of Arsenal in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final shuddered White Hart Lane to its very foundations on Tuesday night. 1999 was the last time long suffering Spurs fans saw their side defeat their fierce North London rivals and the home fans lapped up every second of a stunning performance. Five different goal scorers in Jenas, Bendtner O.G., Keane, Lennon and Malbranque sent the home supporters into raptures and singing "We're on our way to Wembley" long into the night down the Seven Sisters road.
This result will come as little surprise to Tottenham fans after their side's recent good run of form in both league and cup. Spurs should have beaten Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg but for a late Walcott scrambled goal. The superb team performance on Arsenal's home ground that night was the clearest indicator yet that new manager Juande Ramos is beginning to turn things around after a torrid opening to the season. In his short time in charge Ramos's biggest achievement has been the improved general fitness of the squad. Tottenham are now capable of competing with any side for a full 90 minutes as witnessed on Tuesday night with three break-away second half goals, stretching the full length of the pitch. The fifth and final Malbranque goal arrived in the dying moments of the game after a lightning break from defence.
The former Seville head coach has stamped his authority on the side by correctly deciding to drop England goalkeeper Paul Robinson after a wretched run of form. Radek Cerny has rewarded his manager's faith with a string of impressive performances between the sticks. Keeping clean sheets is still a problem but Michael Dawson looks a player re-born playing alongside the mercurial Ledley King in central defence. If Spurs can shore up their defence then the second half of the season could turn out to be a memorable one for the North London club.
When the dust settles on this momentous victory Spurs will realise that all they have achieved is a Carling Cup final date against either Everton or Chelsea on the 24th of February. It's always nice to beat your rivals, but Spurs must move on quickly from this excellent performance and take the momentum into the FA Cup and Premier League in the weeks and months ahead. The pursuit of Gilberto, a Brazilian who plays left back for Hertha Berlin and Alan Hutton, a right back from Rangers is encouraging news. Spurs need to strengthen their defence first before the end of the transfer window as they currently have enough midfielder's and forwards in their first team squad.
What next for Arsenal - the Gunners certainly fielded a weakened line up, continuing Arsene Wenger's policy of using the Carling Cup to blood the younger members of his first team squad. Yet by the time the final whistle blew the likes of Adebayor, Fabregas, Gallas, Walcott and Hleb had all been on the pitch. Paul Merson best encapsulated the Arsenal fan's disappointment and cast a forlorn figure on Sky Sports after the match had ended. Merson made a valid point when he asked why Arsene Wenger would persist with his youth policy in a semi final when his beloved club Gunners have failed to win any trophy for four seasons now. Should the Gunners fail to land any trophy this season then they may well look back on this Spurs' hammering and wonder if it would have been worth fielding their strongest available eleven from the start.
A rejuvenated AC Milan loom on the horizon in the Champions League and on current form few would bet against Manchester United claiming yet another Premiership crown from the Londoners. How long will Gunners fans persist with Wenger's selection policies if Arsenal fail - for a fourth consecutive season - to win either competition?
Tuesday night belonged to Spurs with a memorable performance harking back to past glorious nights at the Lane. Full of pace, passion and attacking football from start to finish, the home side made sure of their passage to the Carling Cup final with a thrilling 90+ minutes. February 24th promises to be another thrilling afternoon at Wembley and who knows maybe the Cockerel will be crowing once again for the White Hart Lane club.
This result will come as little surprise to Tottenham fans after their side's recent good run of form in both league and cup. Spurs should have beaten Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg but for a late Walcott scrambled goal. The superb team performance on Arsenal's home ground that night was the clearest indicator yet that new manager Juande Ramos is beginning to turn things around after a torrid opening to the season. In his short time in charge Ramos's biggest achievement has been the improved general fitness of the squad. Tottenham are now capable of competing with any side for a full 90 minutes as witnessed on Tuesday night with three break-away second half goals, stretching the full length of the pitch. The fifth and final Malbranque goal arrived in the dying moments of the game after a lightning break from defence.
The former Seville head coach has stamped his authority on the side by correctly deciding to drop England goalkeeper Paul Robinson after a wretched run of form. Radek Cerny has rewarded his manager's faith with a string of impressive performances between the sticks. Keeping clean sheets is still a problem but Michael Dawson looks a player re-born playing alongside the mercurial Ledley King in central defence. If Spurs can shore up their defence then the second half of the season could turn out to be a memorable one for the North London club.
When the dust settles on this momentous victory Spurs will realise that all they have achieved is a Carling Cup final date against either Everton or Chelsea on the 24th of February. It's always nice to beat your rivals, but Spurs must move on quickly from this excellent performance and take the momentum into the FA Cup and Premier League in the weeks and months ahead. The pursuit of Gilberto, a Brazilian who plays left back for Hertha Berlin and Alan Hutton, a right back from Rangers is encouraging news. Spurs need to strengthen their defence first before the end of the transfer window as they currently have enough midfielder's and forwards in their first team squad.
What next for Arsenal - the Gunners certainly fielded a weakened line up, continuing Arsene Wenger's policy of using the Carling Cup to blood the younger members of his first team squad. Yet by the time the final whistle blew the likes of Adebayor, Fabregas, Gallas, Walcott and Hleb had all been on the pitch. Paul Merson best encapsulated the Arsenal fan's disappointment and cast a forlorn figure on Sky Sports after the match had ended. Merson made a valid point when he asked why Arsene Wenger would persist with his youth policy in a semi final when his beloved club Gunners have failed to win any trophy for four seasons now. Should the Gunners fail to land any trophy this season then they may well look back on this Spurs' hammering and wonder if it would have been worth fielding their strongest available eleven from the start.
A rejuvenated AC Milan loom on the horizon in the Champions League and on current form few would bet against Manchester United claiming yet another Premiership crown from the Londoners. How long will Gunners fans persist with Wenger's selection policies if Arsenal fail - for a fourth consecutive season - to win either competition?
Tuesday night belonged to Spurs with a memorable performance harking back to past glorious nights at the Lane. Full of pace, passion and attacking football from start to finish, the home side made sure of their passage to the Carling Cup final with a thrilling 90+ minutes. February 24th promises to be another thrilling afternoon at Wembley and who knows maybe the Cockerel will be crowing once again for the White Hart Lane club.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League 2007-08 Season - Half Term Report
West Cork People Columnist Ger McCarthy reviews the first half of an eventful 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League season and profiles some of the players who have been hitting the headlines for their respective clubs.
Already this season the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League has delivered plenty of excitement, top quality football and goals galore. The eventual outcome of the Under12, Under14 and Under16 League age-grades is still too close to call with a host of clubs still very much in the hunt for the coveted League trophies. Even the recent spell of poor weather has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the thirty two competing sides drawn from clubs all over the West Cork region. Once all of the league fixtures have been completed at Under12, Under14 and Under16 level, the top four ranked sides will enter the final and exciting phase of the season - the play-offs.
The various Cup competitions are also underway with the majority of first round and quarter final ties now completed. The West Cork Shield competitions will also begin at the tail-end of the regular season involving any clubs who miss out on the play-offs. It has been a hectic winter period for the West Cork Schoolboys Kennedy Cup squad who are busy training in preparation for the prestigious All-Ireland Kennedy Cup tournament due to be held in Limerick later this summer.
SUPERVALU UNDER12 LEAGUE
Clonakilty AFC are currently top of the table along with Bay Rovers in the SuperValu Under12 Group1 league. Both sides have been scoring for fun so far this season and look the two most likely teams to qualify for the end of season play-offs. Eoin Ryan is top scorer for Clon while Cian Crowley, Brian Chan, Paul Harte, Jack O'Mahony and Jack Cowhig have also been amongst the goals. Ayrton O'Shea is currently top of the scoring charts for Bay Rovers with Donal Casey, Daniel Murphy, Darren Cronin and Tadgh Linehan also netting regularly this season. Drinagh Rangers, Lyre Rovers and Durrus are still in with an outside chance of splitting the top two as Group1 reaches its climax. The Lyre Rovers strike force of Ben Van Bree and Jamie Hurley have been terrorising defences and regularly finding the net. Jake King, Padraigh Cronin and Gary Lordan are the pick of Drinagh's best performers so far this term. Durrus have not hit the heights of last season but with quality players such as Eoghan O'Dwyer, Patrick McCarthy, Jonathan Lannin and Brian O'Regan in their squad they still have a slim chance of making the top two. Both Ardfield and Leeside have found the going tough in Under12 Group1 this season. Leeside will look to Chris Jones, Liam Fitzgerald and Sean Quinn to inspire them in the Under12 Shield tournament later in the year. Ardfield’s first season in Under12 has been an encouraging if not entirely successful one. The newcomers have talented players such as Ewan Courtney, Cathal Moore and Jack Butler to call on for the remainder of the season.
Group2 of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys Under12 League is proving to be an enthralling contest. Schoolboys League debutantes, Dunmanway Town have enjoyed a tremendous start to their inaugural season by topping the group after eight games. Dylan O'Driscoll, John Kelly, Killian O'Donovan, Raymond O'Brien and Owen Lavers are just a selection of players from a highly talented squad which has seen Town rise to the top of the league. Bunratty United currently lie in second place three points ahead of a chasing pack including Skibbereen, Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic. Bunratty are an excellent team full of top quality players including Connor O’Driscoll who has scored a remarkable 16 goals in all competitions already this season. Arron Barry, Cathal Newman and Clodagh O'Callaghan have also contributed to United’s excellent start. Skibbereen are looking the most likely side to break into the top two play-off positions. Stephen McCarthy is the Baltimore Road side’s top scorer this term with 13. Owen Collins, Sean O’Donovan and Sean Casey have also been amongst the goals for Skibb. The remaining teams have their work cut out for them to break into the top two. Togher Celtic’s Jake Inglis and Niall Crowley have been regularly hitting the target while Riverside Athletics’ Trevor Horgan, Rory O’Connor and Jack O’Callaghan are top scorers for the Balineen club. Clonakilty Youths have found the going tough in a highly competitive group. Players such as Daniel Lane, Daniel Kelleher, John Hodnett and Mark Crowley have impressed and the Youths will be a match for any side in the Under12 Shield competition.
SUPERVALU UNDER14 LEAGUE
The SuperValu Under14 League is turning out to be the most intriguing of the West Cork Schoolboys Leagues this year. The top four ranked sides at the end of the regular season will move forward to the play-offs to decide the U14 title. Lyre Rovers are currently top of the league with only a handful of games remaining. Rovers are enjoying a tremendous run having lost only once so far this season. A squad brimming with talent including the likes of James Hayes, Shane O'Donovan, Gearoid Barry, Ethan Draper and Scott Sheehan has propelled Lyre to the top. Bunratty United are only three points behind Lyre in second place with a game in hand. The Schull side have been hugely impressive this term thanks to the performances of Sean Evans, Eddie Goggin, Gavin McEntaggart and Adam Collins. Skibbereen are currently in third place but still have a 100% record after six games. The Baltimore Road club have been scoring for fun this season with Dan MacEoin topping the charts with 20 goals. Skibb also possess top quality players such as Rudi Henwood, Brendan O’Dwyer and Jason Minihane. Any one of these three sides (Lyre, Bunratty or Skibb) are capable of winning the title and are certainties to make the play-offs. The last remaining play-off spot is going to be a battle between the following clubs: Togher Celtic, Bay Rovers, Drinagh Rangers or Riverside Athletic. Any one of these sides are capable of breaking into the top four. The Under14 play-off positions are not likely to be decided until the final weekend of the regular season. Clonakilty AFC, Ballydehob and Clonakilty Youths have failed to make an impact in the Under14 league this season but are likely to figure strongly in the Under14 Shield tournament later this year. AFC’s top scorers include Tadgh Casey, Gearoid O’Brien and Martin Scally. Ballydehob are playing in the West Cork Schoolboys League for the first time this year and have enjoyed superb performances from players such as Bosko Minihane, Tadgh O’Mahony and Alan Cronin. The Clon Youths starring players so far this season include Daniel Laker, Cian O’Donovan, Finbarr Butler and John O’Brien.
SUPERVALU UNDER16 LEAGUE
Togher Celtic have been the surprise package of the SuperValu Under16 League so far this season. Celtic currently lie top of the table and are unbeaten with three games remaining. Strikers Cian O’Mahony and Danny O’Sullivan have scored 5 goals each this season with Declan Coughlan, David Collins and Billy Lurkins also weighing in. Last year’s champions, Riverside Athletic, are in second place only three points behind Togher. Michael O’Driscoll has found the net 10 times already this term for the Balineen club with Rory Baggott, Neville Maybury, Ger Rice and Brian McCarthy also on the scoresheet. The two remaining Under16 play-off spots are still very much up for grabs. Drinagh Rangers and Lyre Rovers look the most likely to secure those berths. Samuel Ross is top scorer for Drinagh with 4 and Michael O’Driscoll for Lyre with 3. Skibbereen, Clonakilty AFC and Bunratty United may yet have a say in the race for the play-offs before the end of the season. Skibb will look to Mark Collins, Thomas Hegarty and Darragh Leonard to fire them into the top four. Clonakilty will hope John O’Sullivan, Colin O ‘Flynn and Alan O’Sullivan can inspire them with a late flurry of goals. Bunratty have games in hand on their opponents and will fancy their chances with Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan on target already this season. Bay Rovers and Leeside are out of the running and will focus their attention on the Under16 Shield tournament later this season. Ricky Peters, Mark Delaney and David Power have been on the scoresheet for Bay this term while David Hourihane, Ben Shorten, Denis O’Leary and Sean O’Leary have netted for Leeside.
THE SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE SPONSORS & REFEREES
2007-2008 marked the first season the West Cork Schoolboys League acquired an official sponsor. SuperValu’s decision to come on board and sponsor the leagues, shields and play-off competitions as well as man of the match trophies is the best piece of news the Schoolboys League has received in many years. The Committee is eternally grateful to SuperValu for their generosity and support for this season and hopefully many more seasons ahead. The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League could not function without the attendance and expertise of the West Cork League Referees. Special thanks to Anthony McDermott, Stephen McDermott, John Reidy, John Desmond, Brian Collins, Martin Coakley, Eoghan Houlihan, Sam Aba, Michael Daly, Richie Collins, Shane Goggin and Terry Minihane for officiating at various Schoolboys League games over the past seasons. It is hoped that the treatment and general appreciation of referees by Schoolboys League players, coaches and supporters will continue to improve as the season progresses. Referees are a rare commodity these days and the SuperValu WCSL is fortunate to have such a capable pool of officials to call on each weekend.
Already this season the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League has delivered plenty of excitement, top quality football and goals galore. The eventual outcome of the Under12, Under14 and Under16 League age-grades is still too close to call with a host of clubs still very much in the hunt for the coveted League trophies. Even the recent spell of poor weather has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the thirty two competing sides drawn from clubs all over the West Cork region. Once all of the league fixtures have been completed at Under12, Under14 and Under16 level, the top four ranked sides will enter the final and exciting phase of the season - the play-offs.
The various Cup competitions are also underway with the majority of first round and quarter final ties now completed. The West Cork Shield competitions will also begin at the tail-end of the regular season involving any clubs who miss out on the play-offs. It has been a hectic winter period for the West Cork Schoolboys Kennedy Cup squad who are busy training in preparation for the prestigious All-Ireland Kennedy Cup tournament due to be held in Limerick later this summer.
SUPERVALU UNDER12 LEAGUE
Clonakilty AFC are currently top of the table along with Bay Rovers in the SuperValu Under12 Group1 league. Both sides have been scoring for fun so far this season and look the two most likely teams to qualify for the end of season play-offs. Eoin Ryan is top scorer for Clon while Cian Crowley, Brian Chan, Paul Harte, Jack O'Mahony and Jack Cowhig have also been amongst the goals. Ayrton O'Shea is currently top of the scoring charts for Bay Rovers with Donal Casey, Daniel Murphy, Darren Cronin and Tadgh Linehan also netting regularly this season. Drinagh Rangers, Lyre Rovers and Durrus are still in with an outside chance of splitting the top two as Group1 reaches its climax. The Lyre Rovers strike force of Ben Van Bree and Jamie Hurley have been terrorising defences and regularly finding the net. Jake King, Padraigh Cronin and Gary Lordan are the pick of Drinagh's best performers so far this term. Durrus have not hit the heights of last season but with quality players such as Eoghan O'Dwyer, Patrick McCarthy, Jonathan Lannin and Brian O'Regan in their squad they still have a slim chance of making the top two. Both Ardfield and Leeside have found the going tough in Under12 Group1 this season. Leeside will look to Chris Jones, Liam Fitzgerald and Sean Quinn to inspire them in the Under12 Shield tournament later in the year. Ardfield’s first season in Under12 has been an encouraging if not entirely successful one. The newcomers have talented players such as Ewan Courtney, Cathal Moore and Jack Butler to call on for the remainder of the season.
Group2 of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys Under12 League is proving to be an enthralling contest. Schoolboys League debutantes, Dunmanway Town have enjoyed a tremendous start to their inaugural season by topping the group after eight games. Dylan O'Driscoll, John Kelly, Killian O'Donovan, Raymond O'Brien and Owen Lavers are just a selection of players from a highly talented squad which has seen Town rise to the top of the league. Bunratty United currently lie in second place three points ahead of a chasing pack including Skibbereen, Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic. Bunratty are an excellent team full of top quality players including Connor O’Driscoll who has scored a remarkable 16 goals in all competitions already this season. Arron Barry, Cathal Newman and Clodagh O'Callaghan have also contributed to United’s excellent start. Skibbereen are looking the most likely side to break into the top two play-off positions. Stephen McCarthy is the Baltimore Road side’s top scorer this term with 13. Owen Collins, Sean O’Donovan and Sean Casey have also been amongst the goals for Skibb. The remaining teams have their work cut out for them to break into the top two. Togher Celtic’s Jake Inglis and Niall Crowley have been regularly hitting the target while Riverside Athletics’ Trevor Horgan, Rory O’Connor and Jack O’Callaghan are top scorers for the Balineen club. Clonakilty Youths have found the going tough in a highly competitive group. Players such as Daniel Lane, Daniel Kelleher, John Hodnett and Mark Crowley have impressed and the Youths will be a match for any side in the Under12 Shield competition.
SUPERVALU UNDER14 LEAGUE
The SuperValu Under14 League is turning out to be the most intriguing of the West Cork Schoolboys Leagues this year. The top four ranked sides at the end of the regular season will move forward to the play-offs to decide the U14 title. Lyre Rovers are currently top of the league with only a handful of games remaining. Rovers are enjoying a tremendous run having lost only once so far this season. A squad brimming with talent including the likes of James Hayes, Shane O'Donovan, Gearoid Barry, Ethan Draper and Scott Sheehan has propelled Lyre to the top. Bunratty United are only three points behind Lyre in second place with a game in hand. The Schull side have been hugely impressive this term thanks to the performances of Sean Evans, Eddie Goggin, Gavin McEntaggart and Adam Collins. Skibbereen are currently in third place but still have a 100% record after six games. The Baltimore Road club have been scoring for fun this season with Dan MacEoin topping the charts with 20 goals. Skibb also possess top quality players such as Rudi Henwood, Brendan O’Dwyer and Jason Minihane. Any one of these three sides (Lyre, Bunratty or Skibb) are capable of winning the title and are certainties to make the play-offs. The last remaining play-off spot is going to be a battle between the following clubs: Togher Celtic, Bay Rovers, Drinagh Rangers or Riverside Athletic. Any one of these sides are capable of breaking into the top four. The Under14 play-off positions are not likely to be decided until the final weekend of the regular season. Clonakilty AFC, Ballydehob and Clonakilty Youths have failed to make an impact in the Under14 league this season but are likely to figure strongly in the Under14 Shield tournament later this year. AFC’s top scorers include Tadgh Casey, Gearoid O’Brien and Martin Scally. Ballydehob are playing in the West Cork Schoolboys League for the first time this year and have enjoyed superb performances from players such as Bosko Minihane, Tadgh O’Mahony and Alan Cronin. The Clon Youths starring players so far this season include Daniel Laker, Cian O’Donovan, Finbarr Butler and John O’Brien.
SUPERVALU UNDER16 LEAGUE
Togher Celtic have been the surprise package of the SuperValu Under16 League so far this season. Celtic currently lie top of the table and are unbeaten with three games remaining. Strikers Cian O’Mahony and Danny O’Sullivan have scored 5 goals each this season with Declan Coughlan, David Collins and Billy Lurkins also weighing in. Last year’s champions, Riverside Athletic, are in second place only three points behind Togher. Michael O’Driscoll has found the net 10 times already this term for the Balineen club with Rory Baggott, Neville Maybury, Ger Rice and Brian McCarthy also on the scoresheet. The two remaining Under16 play-off spots are still very much up for grabs. Drinagh Rangers and Lyre Rovers look the most likely to secure those berths. Samuel Ross is top scorer for Drinagh with 4 and Michael O’Driscoll for Lyre with 3. Skibbereen, Clonakilty AFC and Bunratty United may yet have a say in the race for the play-offs before the end of the season. Skibb will look to Mark Collins, Thomas Hegarty and Darragh Leonard to fire them into the top four. Clonakilty will hope John O’Sullivan, Colin O ‘Flynn and Alan O’Sullivan can inspire them with a late flurry of goals. Bunratty have games in hand on their opponents and will fancy their chances with Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan on target already this season. Bay Rovers and Leeside are out of the running and will focus their attention on the Under16 Shield tournament later this season. Ricky Peters, Mark Delaney and David Power have been on the scoresheet for Bay this term while David Hourihane, Ben Shorten, Denis O’Leary and Sean O’Leary have netted for Leeside.
THE SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE SPONSORS & REFEREES
2007-2008 marked the first season the West Cork Schoolboys League acquired an official sponsor. SuperValu’s decision to come on board and sponsor the leagues, shields and play-off competitions as well as man of the match trophies is the best piece of news the Schoolboys League has received in many years. The Committee is eternally grateful to SuperValu for their generosity and support for this season and hopefully many more seasons ahead. The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League could not function without the attendance and expertise of the West Cork League Referees. Special thanks to Anthony McDermott, Stephen McDermott, John Reidy, John Desmond, Brian Collins, Martin Coakley, Eoghan Houlihan, Sam Aba, Michael Daly, Richie Collins, Shane Goggin and Terry Minihane for officiating at various Schoolboys League games over the past seasons. It is hoped that the treatment and general appreciation of referees by Schoolboys League players, coaches and supporters will continue to improve as the season progresses. Referees are a rare commodity these days and the SuperValu WCSL is fortunate to have such a capable pool of officials to call on each weekend.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
ROAD TO SOUTH AFRICA 2010 MAPPED OUT FOR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
The fixture list for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup 2010 qualifying matches in Group 8 took place in the Grand Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, recently. Ireland was the only country present without a manager at the meeting so the football association sent a delegation containing Chief Executive John Delaney, FAI President David Blood and current caretaker-coach Don Givens.
THE CROKE PARK X-FACTOR
Final agreement on fixtures was signed off by John Delaney resulting in the Republic beginning with two tricky away ties in September and finishing off their campaign at home to World Champions Italy and then Montenegro in October 2009. The FAI was severely curtailed in their negotiations (with the Bulgarians in particular) due to the lack of availability of Croke Park as a home venue during the qualifiers. GAA headquarters was never going to be available to the FAI from June to September with the hurling and football Championships in full swing. It came as little surprise then when FAI was forced to agree to play their opening two fixtures away from home. This puts the new Irish manager, whomever that will be, under immediate pressure to deliver at worst, two away draws, before three crucial home games at Croker. The new manager currently has three friendly fixtures pencilled in before the qualifying campaign begins. Brazil will bring their samba football and carnival atmosphere to Croke Park on February 6th and Serbia visit on the 24th of May. The FAI has also rubber stamped an away trip to Oslo to face Norway on the 20th of August.
TBILISI HERE WE COME!
The Republic will travel to face Georgia in Tbilisi on September the 6th and then Montenegro on September the 10th in their opening two World Cup qualifying fixtures. Irish fans will have bitter sweet memories from the Republic's last visit to Tbilisi in 2003. Ireland won 2-1 thanks to a late Gary Doherty effort in a European Championship qualifier. The game is probably best remembered though for an incident involving a knife being thrown onto the pitch at the Irish players. The trip to Montenegro will be just as arduous. The Montenegrins begin their campaign at home to Bulgaria before the Irish visit four days later. The result of this historic opening game could prove pivotal to the Republic’s chances of qualification. Should Bulgaria slip up then the Irish will know a positive result will give them the upper hand in qualifying, albeit after only two matches.
Cyprus return to Croke Park on October the 15th where revenge will surely be on the minds of the Irish players and staff after the Cypriots previous visit to Croke Park last year. An abject Irish performance culminated in the sacking of Steve Staunton following one of the worst Irish displays in living memory. The return fixture with Georgia in February marks the first competitive fixture of 2009. Manchester City’s Martin Petrov and Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov will be just two members of a hugely talented Bulgarian squad set to face Ireland in Croke Park on the 28th of March. Without doubt this will be Ireland’s most important fixture in Group8 as victory here would go a long way to securing second place. The Bulgarians will no doubt view the Croke Park encounter with equal importance so a titanic battle is eagerly anticipated. Whatever the result, four days later Ireland will literally enter the lions den to face the current World Cup holders, Italy.
Unfortunately the FAI lost out to an unyielding Bulgarian FA in agreeing to fix the Bulgaria vs. Ireland return fixture in Sofia for June 6th 2009, three weeks after the Premier League season has finished. The new Irish head coach will have his work cut out to keep his squad fit, motivated and fully focused for potentially the most important match of the qualifying campaign.
REMEMBER ROME
The Republic’s two most glamorous Group8 qualifying fixtures will be the home and away ties with Italy. There is certain to be many nostalgic memories evoked from Ireland’s 1-0 World Cup quarter final defeat in Rome back in 1990 courtesy of a ‘Toto’ Schillaci effort. Expect replays of Ray Houghton’s dipping volley from the victory in USA 1994 to resurface in the days leading up to both Italian fixtures. Even at this early stage it is unlikely any other side will be able to prevent Italy from topping Group8. Current manager Roberto Donadoni is fortunate to have inherited a world class squad from Marcello Lippi prior to the 2008 European qualifiers. The former AC Milan winger managed to steer his country past France, Ukraine and a resurgent Scotland to qualify for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland. Italy possess a wealth of talent at both senior and Under21 level so anything other than topping the Group would be a major surprise. Ireland's trip to Italian soil comes right in the middle of the Premiership's busy Easter period where injuries and even suspensions may become a factor. A single point garnered from this toughest of away assignments would be a tremendous result for any country let alone Ireland.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
Let's face it, if all goes to plan in the early stages of the group then the Republic of Ireland will be (at best) playing Bulgaria for second place in Group8. Should Ireland achieve that coveted second position then a two-legged play-off against a runner up from another qualifying group would still have to be successfully negotiated before making it to South Africa in 2010. The most realistic (if not slightly optimistic) scenario will probably involve the Republic needing at least 4 if not 6 points from our final two group games at home to Italy on the 10th October and finally Montenegro four days later to secure second place from Bulgaria.
We should expect our new manager to provide Ireland with a fighting chance of claiming the runner-up spot in this group. Anything less would be a huge dissapointment especially when it comes to seeding for the European Championships in 2012. It might seem like a long time away but every single international in 2008 will have to be treated with the upmost importance to make sure the next generation of Irish soccer players have a fighting chance of representing their country at future World Cups. It all begins in earnest on the 6th of September away to Georgia. Let battle commence.
Group8 FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifying Fixtures
6th September 2008: Georgia v Republic of Ireland
10th September 2008: Montenegro v Republic of Ireland
15th October 2008: Republic of Ireland v Cyprus
11th February 2009: Republic of Ireland v Georgia
28th March 2009: Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria
1st April 2009: Italy v Republic of Ireland
6th June 2009: Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland
5th September 2009: Cyprus v Republic of Ireland
10th October 2009: Republic of Ireland v Italy
14th October 2009: Republic of Ireland v Montenegro
THE CROKE PARK X-FACTOR
Final agreement on fixtures was signed off by John Delaney resulting in the Republic beginning with two tricky away ties in September and finishing off their campaign at home to World Champions Italy and then Montenegro in October 2009. The FAI was severely curtailed in their negotiations (with the Bulgarians in particular) due to the lack of availability of Croke Park as a home venue during the qualifiers. GAA headquarters was never going to be available to the FAI from June to September with the hurling and football Championships in full swing. It came as little surprise then when FAI was forced to agree to play their opening two fixtures away from home. This puts the new Irish manager, whomever that will be, under immediate pressure to deliver at worst, two away draws, before three crucial home games at Croker. The new manager currently has three friendly fixtures pencilled in before the qualifying campaign begins. Brazil will bring their samba football and carnival atmosphere to Croke Park on February 6th and Serbia visit on the 24th of May. The FAI has also rubber stamped an away trip to Oslo to face Norway on the 20th of August.
TBILISI HERE WE COME!
The Republic will travel to face Georgia in Tbilisi on September the 6th and then Montenegro on September the 10th in their opening two World Cup qualifying fixtures. Irish fans will have bitter sweet memories from the Republic's last visit to Tbilisi in 2003. Ireland won 2-1 thanks to a late Gary Doherty effort in a European Championship qualifier. The game is probably best remembered though for an incident involving a knife being thrown onto the pitch at the Irish players. The trip to Montenegro will be just as arduous. The Montenegrins begin their campaign at home to Bulgaria before the Irish visit four days later. The result of this historic opening game could prove pivotal to the Republic’s chances of qualification. Should Bulgaria slip up then the Irish will know a positive result will give them the upper hand in qualifying, albeit after only two matches.
Cyprus return to Croke Park on October the 15th where revenge will surely be on the minds of the Irish players and staff after the Cypriots previous visit to Croke Park last year. An abject Irish performance culminated in the sacking of Steve Staunton following one of the worst Irish displays in living memory. The return fixture with Georgia in February marks the first competitive fixture of 2009. Manchester City’s Martin Petrov and Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov will be just two members of a hugely talented Bulgarian squad set to face Ireland in Croke Park on the 28th of March. Without doubt this will be Ireland’s most important fixture in Group8 as victory here would go a long way to securing second place. The Bulgarians will no doubt view the Croke Park encounter with equal importance so a titanic battle is eagerly anticipated. Whatever the result, four days later Ireland will literally enter the lions den to face the current World Cup holders, Italy.
Unfortunately the FAI lost out to an unyielding Bulgarian FA in agreeing to fix the Bulgaria vs. Ireland return fixture in Sofia for June 6th 2009, three weeks after the Premier League season has finished. The new Irish head coach will have his work cut out to keep his squad fit, motivated and fully focused for potentially the most important match of the qualifying campaign.
REMEMBER ROME
The Republic’s two most glamorous Group8 qualifying fixtures will be the home and away ties with Italy. There is certain to be many nostalgic memories evoked from Ireland’s 1-0 World Cup quarter final defeat in Rome back in 1990 courtesy of a ‘Toto’ Schillaci effort. Expect replays of Ray Houghton’s dipping volley from the victory in USA 1994 to resurface in the days leading up to both Italian fixtures. Even at this early stage it is unlikely any other side will be able to prevent Italy from topping Group8. Current manager Roberto Donadoni is fortunate to have inherited a world class squad from Marcello Lippi prior to the 2008 European qualifiers. The former AC Milan winger managed to steer his country past France, Ukraine and a resurgent Scotland to qualify for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland. Italy possess a wealth of talent at both senior and Under21 level so anything other than topping the Group would be a major surprise. Ireland's trip to Italian soil comes right in the middle of the Premiership's busy Easter period where injuries and even suspensions may become a factor. A single point garnered from this toughest of away assignments would be a tremendous result for any country let alone Ireland.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
Let's face it, if all goes to plan in the early stages of the group then the Republic of Ireland will be (at best) playing Bulgaria for second place in Group8. Should Ireland achieve that coveted second position then a two-legged play-off against a runner up from another qualifying group would still have to be successfully negotiated before making it to South Africa in 2010. The most realistic (if not slightly optimistic) scenario will probably involve the Republic needing at least 4 if not 6 points from our final two group games at home to Italy on the 10th October and finally Montenegro four days later to secure second place from Bulgaria.
We should expect our new manager to provide Ireland with a fighting chance of claiming the runner-up spot in this group. Anything less would be a huge dissapointment especially when it comes to seeding for the European Championships in 2012. It might seem like a long time away but every single international in 2008 will have to be treated with the upmost importance to make sure the next generation of Irish soccer players have a fighting chance of representing their country at future World Cups. It all begins in earnest on the 6th of September away to Georgia. Let battle commence.
Group8 FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifying Fixtures
6th September 2008: Georgia v Republic of Ireland
10th September 2008: Montenegro v Republic of Ireland
15th October 2008: Republic of Ireland v Cyprus
11th February 2009: Republic of Ireland v Georgia
28th March 2009: Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria
1st April 2009: Italy v Republic of Ireland
6th June 2009: Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland
5th September 2009: Cyprus v Republic of Ireland
10th October 2009: Republic of Ireland v Italy
14th October 2009: Republic of Ireland v Montenegro
2007 Annus Horribilis for the FAI
The 2007 International football season will be remembered as an 'Annus Horribilis' (a horrible year) by the FAI, the Republic of Ireland senior team and Irish football fans world wide. The year ends with the Republic of Ireland without an international manager and having failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships under Steve Staunton. Public support for the FAI remains at an all time low and only the appointment of a suitable manager, with the correct international credentials and experience, will appease an already disillusioned public.
"Where It All Went Wrong"
The Republic’s faint hopes of qualifying for the European Championships ended with an appalling 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus in Croke Park back on the 17th October. The memory of an encouraging draw with the Germans only four days earlier was completely erased in what now ranks as one of the worst nights in Irish football history. It was a truly dreadful experience; the players looked devoid of ideas and inspiration against at best, an ordinary Cypriot side.
It was the last straw for the Irish football public. I along with thousands of other supporters simply ran out of patience with Steve Staunton and the FAI. It had nothing to do with the cost of purchasing a match ticket (€70), travelling to Dublin by train (€61) or finding accommodation in the capital. It was the fact that even after a full European qualifying campaign we still lacked a basic style or pattern of play, still didn't know what our strongest starting eleven was and had a manager incapable of picking players in their correct positions. Staunton’s bizarre selection policies (Finnan at left back, Keogh on the right wing, O’Brien in midfield) served only to de-motivate the players rather than inspire and improve them. The team’s performance in the majority of the Group D qualifiers simply confirmed that his impact on the training ground had been minimal and he simply had to go.
The treatment of Joey O’Brien was the most obvious example of a manger not utilising a young Irish player to his full potential. O’Brien started centre-back against the Germans having just returned from a long term injury. Four days later Staunton asked the same player, who had performed heroics in the centre of defence, to switch to central midfield for the Cypriot game. O’Brien had a nightmare. In the space of two matches the former Irish manager had reduced a player full of confidence from his Saturday night performance to a gibbering wreck after the Cyprus debacle. Staunton was brought in by the FAI to bring young players like Joey O’Brien into the senior fold and establish them in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. His inexperience in handling this situation clearly displayed he was never the right man for the job.
It is difficult to criticise Staunton, as the ex-Irish International who played with such distinction for his country during a golden period in Irish football. His pride and determination were evident every time he pulled on the green jersey during an illustrious international playing career. The Drogheda man’s lack of relevant qualifications should have been reason enough to prevent him from obtaining the top job in Irish football. It is for that fact alone the FAI still has a lot to answer for.
"The good, the bad and the ugly of the FAI"
FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney, should have shouldered more blame for Staunton’s appointment. The Republic of Ireland needed a qualified manager to come in after Brian Kerr was axed but the FAI failed to appoint the correct person for the job and as a result we now find ourselves out in the cold and looking to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 as salvation. John Delaney still has an awful lot to answer for, it is not so long ago since the FAI Chief Executive promised a “world class manager” and we ended up with the Walsall reserve coach.
The Chief Executive botched the most important decision he was asked to make since taking office; find a manager with relevant experience to progress the senior side with a view to qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. For this glaring blunder alone, his position is still untenable. If the Chief Executive fails to oversee the appointment of a suitable replacement for Steve Staunton then it will surely be time to go.
That is not to say the FAI is not overseeing great work at youth and underage level. Delaney has embarked on a thorough review of Irish football at grass-root level and this is a welcome development. I met with Mr. Delaney and Technical Director, Packie Bonner when the pair visited Clonakilty as part of their tour of West Cork League and West Cork Schoolboys League clubs recently. It was surreal experience. The dour, stone-faced individual who regularly speaks in monotone in television interviews is a very different person in real life. Mr. Delaney was bright, bubbly and full of good humour when he attended a presentation by Clonakilty AFC in O’Donovan’s’ Hotel. He spoke openly and candidly about his hopes for supporting the expansion of the game of soccer in rural areas such as West Cork.
The FAI invested almost 10 million euro this year into the development of the game. A big part of that job is ensuring that this money stretches as far as possible across the game under the guidance of the FAI Technical Development Plan. The FAI plans to run a series of support programmes for clubs and schools, the goal being to raise participation through quality schemes such as the Pepsi FAI Summer Soccer Schools, Futsal and Buntus Programme in West Cork in 2008.
"Back to the future"
The process of appointing a new Republic of Ireland manager is still on-going with Terry Venables the most likely candidate to take over. A three man committee of Don Howe, Don Givens and Ray Houghton have been given the task of identifying the best available candidate for the FAI to approach. Paul Jewell was an early contender but turned down the offer in favour of taking over at struggling Premiership outfit, Derby County. Venables is still the bookies favourite and has all the necessary credentials despite a notable lack of support in the Irish media. The decision to include Givens and Howe (former team mates and friend of Venables) on the selection panel was heavily criticised and may actually work against the former English manager. The FAI's decision to include Ray Houghton as part of the three man team to select the next Republic Of Ireland manager is a sensible one and adds credence to the selection process. His recent work as a pundit on RTE television highlights his in-depth knowledge of the English, Irish and European game and he should prove a valuable asset to the FAI.
I think the nationality of the next Irish manager is irrelevant as long as the person chosen ticks the following boxes: (a) he actually wants the job, (b) he has some experience of European or International football and (c) he will not use the Irish job as a stepping stone to a managerial position in the Premiership. Whoever is eventually appointed deserves the initial support of both the media and fans.
Let’s have a positive outlook for 2008. If the harsh lessons learned from the mistakes made in 2007 are adhered to then I am certain the Republic of Ireland has the ability to qualify for the next World Cup. As long as the new manager employs the correct organisation and tactics there is very good chance that the current crop of Irish players can make it to South Africa. After such a disappointing 2007 there is much to look forward to with the visit of World Champions, Italy and South American giants, Brazil to Croke Park.
"Where It All Went Wrong"
The Republic’s faint hopes of qualifying for the European Championships ended with an appalling 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus in Croke Park back on the 17th October. The memory of an encouraging draw with the Germans only four days earlier was completely erased in what now ranks as one of the worst nights in Irish football history. It was a truly dreadful experience; the players looked devoid of ideas and inspiration against at best, an ordinary Cypriot side.
It was the last straw for the Irish football public. I along with thousands of other supporters simply ran out of patience with Steve Staunton and the FAI. It had nothing to do with the cost of purchasing a match ticket (€70), travelling to Dublin by train (€61) or finding accommodation in the capital. It was the fact that even after a full European qualifying campaign we still lacked a basic style or pattern of play, still didn't know what our strongest starting eleven was and had a manager incapable of picking players in their correct positions. Staunton’s bizarre selection policies (Finnan at left back, Keogh on the right wing, O’Brien in midfield) served only to de-motivate the players rather than inspire and improve them. The team’s performance in the majority of the Group D qualifiers simply confirmed that his impact on the training ground had been minimal and he simply had to go.
The treatment of Joey O’Brien was the most obvious example of a manger not utilising a young Irish player to his full potential. O’Brien started centre-back against the Germans having just returned from a long term injury. Four days later Staunton asked the same player, who had performed heroics in the centre of defence, to switch to central midfield for the Cypriot game. O’Brien had a nightmare. In the space of two matches the former Irish manager had reduced a player full of confidence from his Saturday night performance to a gibbering wreck after the Cyprus debacle. Staunton was brought in by the FAI to bring young players like Joey O’Brien into the senior fold and establish them in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. His inexperience in handling this situation clearly displayed he was never the right man for the job.
It is difficult to criticise Staunton, as the ex-Irish International who played with such distinction for his country during a golden period in Irish football. His pride and determination were evident every time he pulled on the green jersey during an illustrious international playing career. The Drogheda man’s lack of relevant qualifications should have been reason enough to prevent him from obtaining the top job in Irish football. It is for that fact alone the FAI still has a lot to answer for.
"The good, the bad and the ugly of the FAI"
FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney, should have shouldered more blame for Staunton’s appointment. The Republic of Ireland needed a qualified manager to come in after Brian Kerr was axed but the FAI failed to appoint the correct person for the job and as a result we now find ourselves out in the cold and looking to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 as salvation. John Delaney still has an awful lot to answer for, it is not so long ago since the FAI Chief Executive promised a “world class manager” and we ended up with the Walsall reserve coach.
The Chief Executive botched the most important decision he was asked to make since taking office; find a manager with relevant experience to progress the senior side with a view to qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. For this glaring blunder alone, his position is still untenable. If the Chief Executive fails to oversee the appointment of a suitable replacement for Steve Staunton then it will surely be time to go.
That is not to say the FAI is not overseeing great work at youth and underage level. Delaney has embarked on a thorough review of Irish football at grass-root level and this is a welcome development. I met with Mr. Delaney and Technical Director, Packie Bonner when the pair visited Clonakilty as part of their tour of West Cork League and West Cork Schoolboys League clubs recently. It was surreal experience. The dour, stone-faced individual who regularly speaks in monotone in television interviews is a very different person in real life. Mr. Delaney was bright, bubbly and full of good humour when he attended a presentation by Clonakilty AFC in O’Donovan’s’ Hotel. He spoke openly and candidly about his hopes for supporting the expansion of the game of soccer in rural areas such as West Cork.
The FAI invested almost 10 million euro this year into the development of the game. A big part of that job is ensuring that this money stretches as far as possible across the game under the guidance of the FAI Technical Development Plan. The FAI plans to run a series of support programmes for clubs and schools, the goal being to raise participation through quality schemes such as the Pepsi FAI Summer Soccer Schools, Futsal and Buntus Programme in West Cork in 2008.
"Back to the future"
The process of appointing a new Republic of Ireland manager is still on-going with Terry Venables the most likely candidate to take over. A three man committee of Don Howe, Don Givens and Ray Houghton have been given the task of identifying the best available candidate for the FAI to approach. Paul Jewell was an early contender but turned down the offer in favour of taking over at struggling Premiership outfit, Derby County. Venables is still the bookies favourite and has all the necessary credentials despite a notable lack of support in the Irish media. The decision to include Givens and Howe (former team mates and friend of Venables) on the selection panel was heavily criticised and may actually work against the former English manager. The FAI's decision to include Ray Houghton as part of the three man team to select the next Republic Of Ireland manager is a sensible one and adds credence to the selection process. His recent work as a pundit on RTE television highlights his in-depth knowledge of the English, Irish and European game and he should prove a valuable asset to the FAI.
I think the nationality of the next Irish manager is irrelevant as long as the person chosen ticks the following boxes: (a) he actually wants the job, (b) he has some experience of European or International football and (c) he will not use the Irish job as a stepping stone to a managerial position in the Premiership. Whoever is eventually appointed deserves the initial support of both the media and fans.
Let’s have a positive outlook for 2008. If the harsh lessons learned from the mistakes made in 2007 are adhered to then I am certain the Republic of Ireland has the ability to qualify for the next World Cup. As long as the new manager employs the correct organisation and tactics there is very good chance that the current crop of Irish players can make it to South Africa. After such a disappointing 2007 there is much to look forward to with the visit of World Champions, Italy and South American giants, Brazil to Croke Park.
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